Outrage over Malaysian couple's detention without trial in Sweden

Outrage over Malaysian couple's detention without trial in Sweden

PETALING JAYA - Various parties have condemned the month-long detention of a Malaysian couple in Sweden and their separation from their children after their young son was allegedly hit on the hand.

Women, Welfare and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Karim said the ministry was ready to send Welfare Department officers to Sweden to meet their counterparts there to ensure the children were well taken care of.

MCA vice-president Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said while Swedish law should be respected with the need for the authorities to protect the children's safety, it was hard to accept that a family was forcibly separated over what could be considered a minor physical punishment.

"We urge the Government to seek an appropriate conduit to bail out the childrens' parents and for Sweden to conduct the trial as soon as possible," she said yesterday.

Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman of the Barisan Nasional said while Sweden's tough laws against child abuse are acknowledged, the procedures with regard to investigations, detention and denial of access by family members was uncalled for.

"Sweden is tough on child abuse and that is commendable. However, they must understand the difference between abuse and teaching a lesson," he said.